When I arrived at Grande Sunrise, I found Roberto Grande-Perez in the parking lot, fixing his car with a confident, self-taught ease. Within minutes of meeting him, his hard-working spirit and determination to tackle any challenge were apparent. That same attitude defines Grande Sunrise, the family-owned restaurant Roberto operates with his father and brothers in Nokomis East.
In 2009, Roberto moved to the United States to reunite with his father, who had left El Salvador earlier to escape the country’s violence. At its peak in 2015, El Salvador’s murder rate was 105 per 100,000 people, a stark contrast to the U.S. rate of 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021.
The transition to life in the U.S. wasn’t easy. Roberto’s mechanic certification from El Salvador wasn’t recognized here, forcing him to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. He worked as a mechanic, a funeral home employee, and a waiter. Despite the long hours and cold Minnesota winters, Roberto never wavered in his determination to build a better life. He even joked that he likes the restaurant life because he works inside as opposed to a mechanic, where he had to spend cruel Saturday evenings working in the cold.
In 2014, an unexpected opportunity arose. Roberto heard about a small restaurant for sale in West Saint Paul. Though he had no professional cooking experience, the idea intrigued him. “My dad has been my biggest friend and partner in this journey,” Roberto said. “When I told him about the restaurant, he said, ‘That’s a crazy idea, but if you want to try it, I’ve got your back.’”
Roberto poured everything he had into the venture, even selling his car and borrowing money from his stepmother. The early days were tough. “I barely made enough to pay the employees,” he recalled. For 18 months, Roberto continued working his other jobs to keep the restaurant afloat.
Over time, his perseverance paid off. His brothers, Javier, Cesar and Mario, joined him in the kitchen, learning recipes from the previous cook and adding their own flair. In 2017, the family relocated the restaurant to Nokomis East and rebranded it as Grande Sunrise, a name that reflects their family’s pride and optimism.
Today, Grande Sunrise is a beloved neighborhood spot known for its fresh ingredients, slow-cooked meats, and authentic Mexican dishes. Every detail, from the handpicked tortilla suppliers to the artful presentation of each plate, showcases the family’s dedication to quality.
Roberto’s approach to running the restaurant mirrors his philosophy on life: embrace challenges, work hard, and keep learning. Whether it’s fixing kitchen equipment using YouTube tutorials, working 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. multiple days per week, or perfecting a recipe with input from his team, Roberto is always striving for improvement. “If you never try it, you’ll never know what you’re capable of,” he said.
Family remains at the heart of Grande Sunrise. Roberto’s father, Benny, works alongside his sons, even when they urge him to take a day off. “I can’t imagine me or my family doing something else,” he said. Each year, he checks in with his family to ensure they’re still passionate about the business. “If any of my team members feel like trying something different or if they want to start a project like I did, they know I'll always be there for them as they have been for me and this big family we have created along this journey called Grande Sunrise,” he said. “But we like to work. We like to be together.”
The menu at Grande Sunrise is a testament to collaboration and tradition. Many recipes come from a family friend, Jesus Briseno, who passed away three years ago. Dishes like enchiladas, chimichangas, and birria tacos carry his legacy, while new items are added only after the family agrees they meet their high standards.
As I left Grande Sunrise, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have this gem in our community. Roberto’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of family – an inspiration as heartwarming as the food he serves.